Table of Contents
Friends of Scouting
Why support Friends of Scouting? Watch the video below from local Cub Scout Gidget S.
You can donate online via the donate button at the top of this page. The look of our online donation portal has changed, but, as before, all Friends of Scouting donations stay local and benefit the same Scouting program you love. You can also fill out a Friends of Scouting pledge card and email it to shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Progress as of March 14, 2021:
Each district shares a portion of the overall goal.
Progress as of March 14, 2021:
Upcoming Events
Many events have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.
Click here for a continuously updated list of event changes. Tidewater Council’s official updates and policies can be found here.
Pinewood Derby
Cub Scouts of Tidewater Council, it’s time to start your ENGINES! Join us to race your cars once again at your District Pinewood Derbies.
Princess Anne District Pinewood Derby: March 27
Princess Anne district racers will compete at Kempsville Presbyterian Church on March 27. Check out the flyer and guidebook below for additional information. Register on Black Pug.
Council Pinewood Derby: April 10
The top three winners of each rank at each District Pinewood Derby qualify for entry into the Tidewater Council Pinewood Derby.
The District Pinewood Derby chairs will retain all qualifying cars for the council derby at the district races. There is no additional cost to those who qualify at the council level. So, get ready to zoooommmmm on over to Tidewater Council’s Facebook Live page to take part in some high-speed fun on April 10, starting with opening ceremonies at 11 AM. Ask your friends and family to cheer you on as well.
BALOO Training
March 20-21
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) provides an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online prerequisite component in addition to an overnight hands-on practical.
Camp Card Sale
March 22 – July 3
Earn your way to camp with Camp Cards! Camp Cards are cards that offer valuable discounts to local retailers. Some of the discounts are single-use, while many can be used throughout the year. Scouts sell the cards to family, friends, neighbors, and community members. Units earn a 50% sales commission, which they can use to pay for camping adventures.
New for 2021: Win a week of camp! For every 20 Camp Cards that an individual Scout sells, they will receive an entry ticket into a drawing for a campership. See page 4 of the Camp Card Guide for details.
Contact your district executive to sign up for the sale.
National Catholic Scouting Service Scholarships Deadline
March 31
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting will award to seven scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who are Catholic Scouts in a BSA program and are continuing their education in college. The seven Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarships range from $5,000 to $2,000 each.
National Noteworthy Crew Deadline
March 31
The National Noteworthy Crew distinction highlights the nation’s most innovative Venturing crews. 3-5 Venturing crews receive the honor each year. The application encourages crews to share stories about how they lead the adventure in new and exciting ways within the ALPS model (adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service).
Crews that are selected for the distinction will receive a plaque, a ribbon, an article with Bryan on Scouting and Venturing Magazine, and extensive promotion and recognition on social media.
VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Deadline
March 31
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), in cooperation with the National Council BSA, has developed a scholarship program that may cover up to $200 of the Wood Badge tuition for members of the VFW or Auxiliary. The application deadline is March 31.
Tidewater Council’s 2021 Wood Badge course is scheduled for April 30-May 2, 2021 and May 22-23, 2021.
Three Rivers Spring Camporee
April 10-11
Join us for a fantastic camping weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Camp Lions. There will be team challenges for units to compete for the Traveling Trophy. Registration is now available on Black Pug.
IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) will be offered during this event. You must register for the event and then select the course. There will be a small additional fee to cover course materials.
Princess Anne District Merit Badge Fair
April 10
Save the date for the Princess Anne District Spring Merit Badge Fair at North Landing Beach. Each Scout will have the opportunity to select two merit badge sessions from among Art, Aviation, Home Repairs, Painting, Plumbing, Surveying, Weather, Welding, and Wilderness Survival. Registration is coming soon on Black Pug.
Albemarle Spring Camporee
April 16-18
Plot ye course for Albemarle District’s Spring Camporee. All troops, crews, and ships are invited to join us for some swashbuckling fun at our pirate-themed camporee. The ship sets sail soon, so chart your course for the weekend of Friday, April 16.
Spring Merit Badge Camp
April 24-25
Come camp and earn some merit badges at Pipsico Scout Reservation. This camp is designed to fit within the COVID-19 guidelines, so please read the details carefully.
Meals will be provided, including Saturday lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday breakfast and lunch. Patrols will have a time to come through the dining hall to get their meals to-go and return to their campsites to eat. Check-in will be Saturday morning from 8:15-8:45 AM and Scouts will go to their first merit badge sessions directly. Campsite set-up will be during the two-hour lunch break. We will hold two merit badge sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Campsite pack-up and check-out will be after lunch on Sunday.
Maximum group sizes at this time are ten, counting youth and adults, so prepare to patrol camp with two-deep leadership. PLEASE NOTE: To minimize contact, patrols will have to travel to a merit badge session together as a group. We will ask each patrol to provide their top five merit badge choices, and we will develop a schedule to include three of those. Please email brendan.kane001@gmail.com and wparker@pipsicobsa.com to volunteer to be a Merit Badge Counselor for this event.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
May 4
Join us for the Annual Leadership Breakfast on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 7:15 AM at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to make a significant Friends of Scouting gift and to hear from keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, veteran of the U.S. Army and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, and four-time Super Bowl champion! Donors who give at or above the Patron Level ($500) will receive an autographed memorabilia item.
RSVP to Shannon Foster at shannon.foster@scouting.org.
Wilderness/Remote First Aid
May 15-16
Register now for Wilderness/Remote First Aid – space is limited!
All High Adventure Bases require that at least one person in each crew (two for Philmont) be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid or the equivalent and CPR from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or equivalent. It is also recommended for any unit that is conducting backcountry hiking or camping trips.
Pre-requisites:
- Current CPR/AED certification is required to attend this course. Please bring your card to the course for verification.
- Be at least 14 years of age on or before the last scheduled session of the course.
Council Banquet
May 27
It’s a Celebration of Scouting! Join us at 6 PM on Thursday, May 27. The Annual Recognition Banquet is held each year to recognize Eagle Scouts and the volunteers of Tidewater Council. Some of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the 2020 Class of Eagle Scouts, the Silver Beaver Awards, and the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards. The evening will start with dinner served by our own Blue Heron Lodge cook crew. This will be a night of food and fellowship you will not want to miss.
We are excited to host the event this year and have confidence in the COVID-19 protocols in place for the safety of our guests. We are restricted to the number of participants, so please register early. Registration is now open and will close on May 20, or sooner as capacity is reached. This year’s event will be held at the Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. Feel free to reach out to Ron Kilmer or Christy Cooper with any questions or concerns.
National Youth Leadership Training
June 21-26
Tidewater Council will hold a National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course at Pipsico Scout Reservation on June 21-26. NYLT is a 6-day, action-packed program designed to provide youth with leadership skills.
When Scouts attend this premier leadership training experience, the knowledge they gain has a direct influence for the continued and enduring success of their unit. A trained youth leader will contribute significantly to retention, recruitment, and unit operations.
Age requirements apply:
- Scouts BSA: 13 years of age or older and at least a First Class Scout by June 21, 2021
- Sea Scouts and Venturers: 14 years or older by June 21, 2021 and under age 21 as of June 26, 2021
Cost:
- $275 if paid on or before April 21, 2021
- $285 if paid April 22 – May 21, 2021
- $295 if paid on or after May 22, 2021
If you have any questions, please contact Course Director Frances Creel at nylt6958@gmail.com.
2021 Cub Scout Day Camps
June & July
Weird Science is about to hit Cub Scout Day Camp. Day camp is an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts, which promotes a year-round program and encourages Cub Scouts to benefit and grow. The daily program centers on Cub Scout and Webelos electives as they relate to the outdoor program. The Scouts will work on activities that are challenging and age appropriate.
There are a wide range of activities, varying between camps, but common activities include:
- Shooting sports (BBs, archery, wrist rockets, and/or sling shots)
- Sports and games
- Science
- Nature
- Crafts
- Skits and songs
- Mealtime programs
All registered Cub Scouts are eligible to attend day camp. All day camps are run with a Camp Director and a Program Director, along with a staff of volunteers to conduct the camp programs. You are invited to be part of the staff – contact Rich Becker for more information.
Register by April 30 to receive the Early Bird rate! Registration ends on June 1. Camp locations and times are subject to change.
Virginia Beach Day Camp
Dates: June 21-25
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Academy
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-1 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-TabernacleDayCamp2021
Elizabeth City Twilight Camp
Dates: June 21-25
Location: Forest Park Church
Time: 3-7 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-ForestParkDayCamp2021
Norfolk Day Camp
Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Elks Lodge
Time: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM; Friday 9 AM-2 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-ElksLodgeDayCamp2021
Chesapeake Twilight Camp
Dates: June 28 – July 2
Location: Great Bridge Baptist Church
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-GreatBridgeDayCamp2021
Portsmouth Twilight Camp
Dates: July 12-16
Location: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth
Time: 3-8 PM
Registration link: scoutingevent.com/596-PortsmouthDayCamp2021
Summer Camp at Pipsico 2021
June - July
Camp Local! Sign up today for Summer Camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Week #1 – June 27 to July 3
Week #2 – July 4 to July 10
Week #3 – July 11 to July 17
Week #4 – July 18 to July 24
Check-in on Sundays between 1 PM and 4:30 PM.
Pipsico offers Scouts and Scouters the opportunity to immerse themselves in a positive camping environment, at a beautiful property, with a friendly camp staff. Tidewater Council, BSA is proud to offer quality programs for everyone. Pipsico is geographically located along the James River and adjacent to the epicenter of Virginia’s colonial attractions and thrilling entertainment, such as Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
Our First Year Camper Program – “Huskanaw,” meaning “Rite of Passage,” is a unique program. The Huskanaw program area encompasses over an acre of property, filled with amenities specifically designed to focus on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The setting teaches new and younger Scouts about troop structure, the value of the Patrol Method, the importance of the Buddy System, and the benefits of learning and applying new skills using the E.D.G.E. Method (Explain Demonstrate Guide Enable).
Camp Provisional!
Provisional campers are Scouts who come to Pipsico Scout Reservation as individual Scouts, rather than coming with a troop. You will be grouped with other provisional Scouts into a provisional troop, and will still enjoy the full, fun, and awesome Pipsico experience!
Attending summer camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation as a provisional camper is a great opportunity for Scouts who can’t attend their troop’s selected dates or location, who prefer to camp locally at Pipsico, or who want an extra week of camp!
Our dynamic Council Commissioner, Erich Röetz, will lead a provisional troop during Week 1 (June 27- July 3). Register for Erich’s provisional troop by signing up on Black Pug under “Week 1.”
If you are interested in serving as an adult provisional leader, please contact Camp Director John Scheib at jscheib@pipsicobsa.com.
News
Tidewater Council Silver Beavers
Tidewater Council is proud to announce its Silver Beaver Award Class of 2021! This award recognizes registered Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council.
John Wayne Abernathy
John Wayne Abernathy is an accomplished unit commissioner in Three Rivers and has been an assistant Scoutmaster and merit badge counselor for Troop 48 for nearly 20 years. He is a longtime staff member at Pow Wow/University of Scouting and a two-time Pacesetter for Tidewater Council’s Friend of Scouting.
Al Barr
Al Barr is Princess Anne’s district commissioner, after several years as a unit and roundtable commissioner for Princess Anne and its predecessors. His dedication to youth protection, leader training, and unit rechartering has provided a safe Scouting experience for thousands of youth.
Anne Bussiere
Anne Bussiere’s reach has extended to packs, troops, districts, council, and region. Her attention to detail and organizational skills have made countless events and training sessions run more smoothly and with more fun for youth and adults. She also has volunteered at out Scout Shop for more than a decade.
Scout Shop
Webelos-to-Scout Transitions
March is a time of transition, as troops welcome new Arrow of Light Scouts. For a smooth transition, all new Scouts need to know which items the new troop will give them and which items they should purchase themselves. Many units provide handbooks, shoulder loops, neckerchiefs, and/or slides. Some units order custom troop numbers, with the full troop number included on one strip. Please let your new Scouts know what, if anything, will be provided. New Scouts also need to know the color of the neckerchief they should purchase. The Scout Shop staff can help with their basic uniform needs.
Eagle Scouts
We hope that some of the restrictions we have experienced this past year will soon be lifted and allow the resumption of in-person activities. For Eagle Scouts waiting to have an in-person Court of Honor, we have a fully stocked Eagle section with all the trimmings for a special celebration. We have invitations, Eagle program covers, plates, napkins, cups, centerpieces, everything needed for a great time! If you have waited to celebrate, make your Court of Honor worth it!
Unable to Shop In-Person?
For customers who cannot get to our Scout Shop, we can ship orders to you by USPS. You may place your order by calling 757-497-2688 or emailing polly.fugate@scouting.org. We accept VISA and Mastercard.
Scout Shop Hours
Our next holiday closing will be April 2-4 for Easter weekend.
Spring Recruiting
With spring in the air, youth are turning to the outdoors. It’s a perfect time to invite new families to enjoy the adventures of Scouting.
Cub Scouts
- Host an informational joining event. Challenge each den to make a display board about their fun and exciting activities.
- Ask current Cub Scouts to invite friends to the next meeting.
- Advertise in your homeowner’s association or chartered organization’s newsletter or bulletin.
- Advertise your events on social media. Nextdoor, Facebook, and Instagram are popular choices.
Scouts BSA
- Ask nearby Cub Scout packs if your troop can be represented at their joining events. Older siblings and current 5th graders who are ready for Scouts BSA may be in attendance.
- Host an outing, such as a camping or sailing trip, to introduce potential new members to the fun of Scouting.
Venturing and Sea Scouting
- Invite current 8th graders to an open house.
- Ask your high school if you can advertise on the morning announcements.
- Host an outing, such as a camping or sailing trip, to introduce potential new members to the fun of Scouting.
BeAScout Pin Updates
Parents often go online to find activities for their children and Scouting units to join. Now that charter renewals have been posted, it is a good time to make sure your unit’s BeAScout pin is updated. Check out the video below for instructions.
Exchange Student Scouting
Have you ever considered hosting a foreign exchange student? As active Scouters or parents of Scouts, would you like to host a foreign exchange student who is also a Scout in their home country?
International Experience (iE), a non-profit student exchange organization, is currently seeking a Tidewater Council Scouting family to host Daniel, a 16-year-old male Scout from Spain. Daniel is seeking a host family for August 2021 until June 2022.
To learn more about Daniel, visit our Exchange Scouts & Students webpage or contact Tracy Mabry, North East Regional Director of International Experience at t.mabry@international-experience.net, 757-427-1964, or 808-372-2597.
iE applicants like Daniel go through an extensive application process and take an English proficiency exam. Students come to America to be immersed in American culture, attend high school, and experience everyday family life. The students provide their own personal spending money, school expenses, insurance, and desire to be part of your family. Host families provide a safe caring home, three meals a day, local transportation, and a desire to be an involved and active family.
World Scout Moot
The 2022 World Scout Moot in Ireland will open in less than 500 days (July 18-28, 2022). If you will be between the ages of 18 and 26 next summer, you will not want to miss this global Scouting adventure!
The BSA is sending a National Contingent to Ireland. Registration will open later this month for participants (ages 18-26) and International Service Team members (ages 27+). To find out more, visit scouting.org/international/world-scout-moot. If you wish to be notified when registration opens, fill out this form.
Popcorn
We are pleased to announce the wonderful volunteer team that is gearing up to support your unit’s popcorn sales this fall!
Pam Samples, Council Kernel
Brenda Johnson, Albemarle District Kernel
Erin Alford, Bayside District Co-Kernel
Liz Conner, Bayside District Co-Kernel
Tony Montemurno, Princess Anne District Kernel
Beth Albertson, Three Rivers District Co-Kernel
Rudy Nimmo, Three Rivers District Co-Kernel
Popcorn 101
Save the date for Tidewater Council’s first-ever Popcorn 101 training on May 25, 2021. This training is designed to help new unit popcorn kernels get started, and will supplement the general popcorn trainings in June. More details are coming soon.
Community Service
A service project is a special “Good Turn” that puts Scout spirit into action. Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is the world’s premier youth organization. We currently have several opportunities for youth to give back to our communities through service. Here are some current projects needing assistance:
- Rain garden project to benefit the SPCA. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Various projects for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Contact Clay Bernick at clay@lrnow.org or 757-377-3120.
- Build spat cages by putting wire cages together. This project’s goal is to be completed in March. They are looking for about five Scouts for approximately two hours. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Removal of concrete derbris from Marshview Park. This project goal’s is to be completed in March. They are looking for about ten people, including leaders, for about two hours. There is a potential for a unit to adopt this area as a long-term service project, as the park needs some other work done as well. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- Build two five- to six-foot wooden benches with plant boxes and complete a butterfly garden for the ViBe District Mediterranean Avenue Parklet. This project goal is for an April public unveiling. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
- A few projects on the horizon for those Scouts wanting to be a part of planning, execution, and maintenance are slated for the future. A landscape project in the ViBe District, a living shoreline project in Great Neck, and a couple fall tree plantings. Contact Vince Bowhers at vince@lrnow.org or 757-773-1636.
BSA Safety Moment
It is recommended to include a BSA Safety Moment during meetings to inform Scouts and parents and keep everyone safe. Numerous downloadable BSA Safety Moments are available here.
Sun Safety
Scouting provides a wealth of opportunity for exciting outdoor adventures. Scouts can be seen swimming in lakes at Scout camp, sledding during a Klondike Derby, hiking beautiful desert and mountain trails, and camping under sun and stars during all seasons of the year. To decrease risk during these activities, Scouts and leaders should understand and implement appropriate safety measures that may help to prevent injury or other bodily harm. Yet, an important safety measure that may have the longest lasting impact is often unknown or overlooked: SUN SAFETY.
Cub Scout Den Meeting Tips
- Keep it simple and short. Younger Scouts will not have as long of attention spans as older youth.
- “Show and Tell” works well in virtual meetings. Kids love sharing their creations and seeing their peers’ creations. They can also share things they wouldn’t be able to share in-person, such as their pet or their favorite part of their backyard.
- Try a hybrid meeting schedule – alternate between in-person outdoor meetings and virtual gatherings.
- Set up an outdoor activity and provide each family with a timeslot to come and complete the activity. This works well for areas with small group size limits and for families who need to, or prefer to, isolate.
- Check out the Cub Chat Live Virtual Meeting Fest recording for more tips.
Support Scouts on the Way to Eagle Rank
No Scout is ever expected to “go it alone.” This is just as true for Life Scouts on the path to Eagle as it is for the youngest Cub Scouts.
The Guide to Advancement devotes an entire chapter to the Eagle Scout rank.
- Sections 9.0.1.0 – 9.0.1.10 deal with the application process. These sections cover the seven Eagle requirements, the required approvals and signatures, when and how the council service center becomes involved, and the role of the BSA National Advancement Team.
- Sections 9.0.2.0 – 9.0.2.16 are devoted to the Eagle Scout Service Project, including all aspects a Scout needs to know before and while carrying out the project, and the roles of the Eagle Scout Service Project Coach and the Eagle Mentor/Advisor.
- Section 9.0.3.0 discusses Eagle Palms.
- Sections 9.0.4.0 – 9.0.4.1 cover time extensions.
No Guide to Advancement section or leader has the intent to “produce” Eagle Scouts. The Scouting program is designed to support and encourage the personal initiatives of individual young people – which may or may not include achievement of the Eagle Scout rank. Scouting’s steadfast aim is to help young people become responsible, service-minded citizens, strong of mind and body, capable of making moral and ethical decisions throughout their lives.
What is Sea Scouting?
Founded in 1912, Sea Scouting is one of the high adventure programs of the Boy Scouts of America. This program is for young men and women aged 14-21 (or 13 and completed the 8th grade). Sea Scouting has its own uniform and advancement trail.
Built on the pillars of seamanship, service, Scouting, and social, Sea Scouting provides opportunities for anyone who loves adventure in, on, around, or under water.
Venturing: Tiers of Adventure
Venturing’s three levels of adventure are designed to challenge and engage crew members to experience adventure. Each level provides crew members with opportunity for leadership, personal growth, and skill development. While Tier I activities are fairly basic, they provide a preparation for the greater challenges and opportunities involved in Tier II and Tier III activities.
A well-balanced crew activity program will include activities and adventures in all tiers. Having a variety of adventures ensures engagement and creates opportunities for the youth to develop their skills and planning abilities, and to take responsibility for leading their own adventures. Participating in and planning multiple levels of Tier Adventures is also part of the advancement structure, as youth members work their way towards the Summit Award.
COVID-19 Assistance
Does your family need assistance due to COVID-19? Tidewater Council is a partner agency with United Way of South Hampton Roads and Albemarle Area United Way, as well as a member of the Unite Us Hampton Roads United Coordinated Network and NCCARE360. North Carolina families, please reach out to NCCARE360 to request assistance. Virginia families, please contact the United Way of South Hampton Roads Coronavirus Response team. For other coordinated care referrals unrelated to COVID-19, please contact us.
Congressional Art Competition
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual non-partisan competition for high school students. Submit your entry through your congressional district. The artwork must be two-dimensional, and accepted mediums include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photographs. The winning entry from each congressional district will hang in the U.S. Capitol. Due dates are in April; specific dates vary across districts.
Visit your congressional district’s site for more information:
- First District of North Carolina (Gates County)
- Third District of North Carolina (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties)
- Second District of Virginia (Virginia Beach and parts of Norfolk)
- Third District of Virginia (Portsmouth and parts of Norfolk and Chesapeake)
- Fourth District of Virginia (Parts of Chesapeake)
National Family Camp
Are you looking for your next family vacation? Is your family ready for adventure? BSA’s newest national camping program at Sea Base in the Florida Keys has everything you and your family need to make long-lasting outdoor memories together.
Families can book a trip for a week or even just a few days. Dates are available throughout the spring, fall, and winter. For more information, visit bsaseabase.org/camping.
Help Desk
The National Council no longer has a volunteer help desk. If you need assistance with any help desk issues, including Scoutbook, online training, and address changes, please contact us at helpdesk@tidewaterbsa.com. In your email, please include:
- Your Name
- Member ID
- Contact Phone Number
- Contact Email Address
- What is the issue? (Password reset, a module is freezing, forgot username, etc.)
- If it is a training issue:
- Username
- Date Training Taken
- Browser Used
Due to high volume, we are unable to respond to phone inquiries; please send all help desk issues via email.
Development Corner
Endow Now Program
Many donors would like to create an endowment fund so their gift can make a lasting difference in perpetuity. Endowment gifts can provide general support for local Scouting, or can be designated to support a council position, a camp property, a campership or scholarship program for youth, or other specific projects for Tidewater Council. Prospective donors may want to see their endowment at work during their lifetime but may not be able to fund an endowment all at once.
Scouting’s Endow Now Program provides an opportunity: a larger endowment than you might have thought possible, at a much lower cost. Gifts to this program are invested until the fund reaches the endowment dollar goal you request. At that time, the endowment will begin to generate income for the council or programs you select. The program is designed so that the endowment may even start to benefit Scouting during your lifetime.
For example, a donor is interested in creating a $50,000 endowment, but they can only give a five-year pledge of $2,400 per year, for a total of $12,000. The nonprofit organization invests the gifts until they grow into the $50,000 selected. Based on past investment performance and actuarial tables, the endowment would likely reach the donor’s goal during their lifetime. At that time, either the income or principal could be distributed to the organization, and the donor would see the endowment bearing their name begin to benefit Scouting.
The Endow Now Program allows donors to make a substantial gift for a modest investment. Please contact Dr. Susan Miley-Petrehn at 757-284-0796 or susan.miley-petrehn@scouting.org for more information.
Scouts in Action
Congratulations new Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to Cameron H., the 100th Eagle Scout for Princess Anne Troop 401!
For his Eagle Scout project in November 2020, Cameron made sensory boards for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. He has stepped up to many challenges, including balancing a full schedule with rigorous academics at Landstown High School’s STEM Academy, while also earning the Eagle Scout rank and completing college applications.
Troop 401 celebrated Cameron’s accomplishment with a Court of Honor at Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach.
Chesapeake Police Exploring Post 161 not only learns about careers in law enforcement, but also regularly performs community service. Post 161 recently met for their first installment of an Adopt A Highway cleanup along Kempsville Road. The Explorers spent three hours of their Saturday helping to keep Chesapeake beautiful, and they got some much-needed in-person camaraderie. If you see Post 161 out there on a future Saturday morning, be sure to thank them!
The Explorers were still able to do quite a few activities safely this past year, including running the police obstacle course, assisting the Crime Prevention Council, and spending a day riding in watercraft with the Chesapeake Police Marine Patrol. The Explorers also adopted a family, providing meals and holiday gifts with a $500 donation from the Fraternal Order of Police. Post 161 Explorers are doing great things for the community. Keep up the outstanding work!
Exploring posts are open to new youth members 14 years and older. Want to learn more about the Chesapeake Police Explorers or visit a meeting? Please contact Senior Police Officer Ellen Heins-Gonzalez at eheins-gonzales@cityofchesapeake.net or 757-382-6189.
Chesapeake Eagle Scout Ysa D. was featured in a CNN story about the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts. Ysa shares how she dealt with the pushback when she first joined Scouts BSA in Illinois, and how she gave back to the community with her Eagle project.
Virginia Beach Cub Scout Gidget S. was featured in a WVEC 13 News Now story about how she has been helping a friend with special needs through the challenges of the pandemic.
Several units have been getting out and enjoying warmer weather and much-needed fellowship while giving back to the community.
Albemarle Pack 150 enjoyed the outdoors while cleaning up trash around the Perquimans Recreational Park.
Albemarle Pack 116 had a windy day while they assisted with sea grass planting.
Many Cub Scouts have worked hard through COVID-19 to finish their Arrow of Light ranks and are now crossing over to Scouts BSA. Congratulations!
The Albemarle District Pinewood Derby was a ROARRRRING success. Many Cub Scouts look forward to seeing their cars race in the Council Derby April 10.
The Wood Badge staff is hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2021 course. Contact Course Director Mike Zemienieuski at mzemski@cox.net for more information about this premier leadership and team development experience.
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